Australian Photographer set to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award and Give Keynote Address

ATLANTA, Ga. – Professional Photographers of America (PPA) announced today that Peter Lik, M.Photog., the most acclaimed landscape photographer in the world, will deliver a special keynote presentation at PPA's annual convention, Imaging USA 2015, Monday, Feb. 2 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention center in Nashville. He will also be presented with PPA's Lifetime Achievement Award.

"We couldn't be happier to have Peter join us and share his passion and talent at Imaging USA," said Susan Michal, PPA president. "Peter's accomplishments in photography speak for themselves, and he is very deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award. It is definitely a presentation to get to early because seats will fill up!"

PPA's Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual whose life's work has enriched the photographic industry and the profession as a whole. PPA periodically recognizes a photographer for a lifetime of service and innovation to the field of professional photography. The award will be presented to Peter Lik during the Award and Degree Ceremony at Imaging USA, taking place in Nashville, Tennessee, from February 1 to 4, 2015. Lik will become just the thirteenth photographer to receive the prestigious award, joining a select group that includes Anne Geddes, Greg Gorman, Gordon Parks and Arnold Newman.

Lik has been a PPA member for nearly 10 years and is a fervent advocate for the association and its membership. He earned his master of photography (M.Photog.) degree from PPA in 2010. The degree is awarded for superior photographic skills—demonstrated through obtaining merits through the IPC, and by advanced education, speaking engagements and service to the industry.

A native of Melbourne, Australia, Lik has photographed the American landscape since he first arrived in the U.S. in 1984. In the late 90s, Lik took a giant leap forward, taking on a massive project now known as "Spirit of America." After fifty thousand miles and 1,000 rolls of film, Lik had revealed landscapes from all 50 United States, completing the "biggest challenge of my life." From there, it was only onward and upward for this remarkable success story.

Another huge landmark for Lik came in 2010 when he sold his photograph "One" for a world record of $1 million to an anonymous collector. Then, over the course of the next two years, his iconic images "Ghost" and the award-winning "Inner Peace," would both be found on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. It was on the heels of these major accomplishments that Lik jumped straight into the heart of mainstream culture by starring in the NBC-produced TV series, "From the Edge with Peter Lik." He had officially become a household name. Lik has sold upwards of $500 million of artwork to his many valued collectors, including royalty, presidents and celebrities. His images can be viewed in luxurious hotels, prominent estates, leading corporate offices and in all of his galleries around the United States.

Lik's keynote presentation at Imaging USA 2015 will be Monday, Feb. 2, 8-9 p.m. The program is open to anyone with an Imaging USA badge, including all-access and expo-only passes. To learn more or to register, visit ImagingUSA.org.

About Imaging USA:Imaging USA is the longest-running international photographic convention, expo and image exhibition in the world. The event dates back to 1880, when it began as the annual convention and tradeshow for Professional Photographers of America (PPA). More than 10,000 photographers will descend upon the Music City for three days of photography education and inspiration as well as some exclusive photography-related shopping.

About PPA: Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA’s roots date back to 1869. It assists more than 27,000 photographers through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at PPA.com.